When we arrived at our workshop, this Volga did not look like any special car at all. Judging by its appearance, the car lived a difficult, long life and, of course, needed restoration.
This particular car will not be quite ordinary in the line of cars we have already restored.
The fact is that the owner wanted not only to restore this Volga, but also to install a modern engine on it and much more that is present on modern cars.
Here are some points of the technical specifications regarding tuning this car:
- Installation of a 2JZ-GE engine with a power of 230 hp. with 5-speed automatic transmission.
- Installation of the GAZ-31105 front suspension with reinforced springs.
- Installation of the GAZ-31105 rear axle with a reinforced differential.
- Installation of ventilated disc brakes on all wheels.
- Installation of power steering mechanism.
- Installation of air conditioning system.
- Installation of front separate seats and a center console between them with a multimedia system, automatic transmission selector, climate control controls and power window buttons.
Basis for creativity
For a car that began its history in the 50s of the last century, today almost all repair work can be safely called tuning. It is no secret that spare parts for this brand have not been produced for many years. For this reason, copies restored from original parts (which also have to be collected throughout the former Soviet Union) cost very decent money. These amounts are comparable to the cost of a new prestigious car.
In most cases, owners of old cars restore their favorites from what can be purchased in the nearest area. Such cars combine parts from new Volga models, Renault, Mercedes, Nissan and Opel. Without knowing it, the owners are doing tuning for their GAZ-21.
Tuning the Volga GAZ-21 car: photo
Not every factory design element or native technical characteristics of a car can satisfy the dreams of the vehicle owner. Moreover, if we are talking about a rare copy - Volga GAZ 21.
Tuning the GAZ 21 can consist of either a partial replacement of interior and exterior parts, or a complete change in the external appearance of the model, which will take it to a new quality level due to originality, uniqueness and special characteristics.
Despite the fact that the Volga GA3-21 first rolled off the factory assembly line almost fifty years ago, today you can find a large number of copies of this car, and some of them look like a new car. The model owes its durability to high-quality body hardware, the use of which many modern automakers would envy.
However, the owners of the 21st Volga are not happy with the transmission and engine installed in the car, many of which have not survived to the present day and were replaced by structural units from other cars. For this reason, GAZ 21 tuning needs to be carried out for almost every part of the model, but it is especially relevant for the engine and chassis.
No matter how ideal the body may seem, it is worth paying attention to the Volga GAZ 21 tuning using painting. Fortunately, now on the shelves you can find a shade option that will add a unique and original appearance to a retro car. There are a lot of options that allow you to tune the body paint.
Among the huge variety, the following types of work can be identified:
- painting the car body in matte shades, as well as paint called “chameleon” and “metallic”;
- applying an airbrush image;
- covering body elements with vinyl film.
Matte body paint is becoming increasingly popular. However, it has several disadvantages:
- price list for consumables, as well as painting work;
- If even a small area on the matte body is damaged, the entire car will have to be repainted again, because when you try to polish the damaged area, the matte coating becomes glossy, and the car takes on a spotty appearance.
In this case, it is better to opt for vinyl covering. However, this material is not without its drawbacks.
Vinyl film does not have the same quality as paint coating. And it will take a very long time to find a professional in this matter, since working with vinyl is a labor-intensive process and requires appropriate skills. Another type of body GAZ 21 tuning photo involves converting a sedan into a convertible model. To bring the idea to life, you will have to sacrifice the roof of the car, as well as the upper frames of the rear doors.
Body
The body is the most important part for restoration in a car that is over 60. Despite the thickness of the metal (it is slightly thicker than on modern cars), corrosion over the decades could seriously damage any car of those years.
The quality of the metal then was higher than now, therefore, if the previous owner looked after the body, suppressing sources of destruction in time, you can do without welding work. It will be enough to clean, process and prepare the body for subsequent painting. But getting a car in this condition is very rare and lucky.
Despite the streamlined shapes inherent in cars from the middle of the last century, there are amateurs who do external tuning. GAZ-21 (you can see a photo of this car in the text) is one of the brightest representatives of cars that have undergone unusual transformations.
But in fact, such a modification is very rare, since preserving the original body (if the car is not radically redesigned) is more advantageous and preferable.
Tuning GAZ 21 - modern solutions for the legendary car
Most often, GAZ 21 modernization begins with the engine. Usually the standard Pobeda engine is replaced with a power unit from a representative of the next generation GAZ. The best option for tuning a car would be to install a GAZ 24 engine. For this, there is everything you need - a large space under the hood, holes for mounting the unit, wires corresponding in size for connecting to the engine.
Replacing a standard GAZ 21 engine, as a rule, entails installing a gearbox from the same GAZ 24. If such tuning is performed correctly, the Pobeda can accelerate to 140 km/h.
In the photo - tuning the GAZ 21 engine
There are other methods for modernizing the GAZ 21. These include installing imported parts, completely replacing the gas tank and exhaust system of the car. As a rule, these options for improving cars are quite expensive and are carried out only in car workshops. Often items purchased at a price of over 20 thousand.
rubles, turn out to be completely unsuitable, since they do not fit “Victory” in size. Then specialists are forced to redo the car's side members in order to increase the free space under the hood.
After this, auto repair shop employees have the opportunity to install imported components, with the help of which the Pobeda can easily accelerate to 180-210 km/h.
Photo of installation of imported parts under the hood of GAZ 21
In some cases, during the process of technical tuning of GAZ 21, the standard suspension of the car is replaced. For this purpose, Tyape air suspension, specially created for Volkswagen SUVs, is often used. It is known for its reliability and low noise level during operation.
If there are not so many options for improving the technical characteristics of a domestic legend car, then in the styling process the performer is limited only by his imagination.
For example, painting a car is the first thing that almost all Pobeda owners strive to do - an activity for which all painting materials are suitable.
The brighter the paint, the better! By the way, “Victory” becomes very attractive if you paint the steering wheel and dashboard of the car along with the body. In this case, the shade of paint should be the same for all elements.
For seat upholstery, it is best to choose natural leather in calmer colors. Ideally, the body and interior elements can be painted bright red, and the seats upholstered in snow-white material.
In the photo - tuning the interior of the GAZ 21
The inside of doors and sidewalls is often modernized. For this purpose, the material must have high wear resistance. Wood and soft plastic meet these requirements.
In the process of styling the “Victory”, it is very important not to “overdo it” and not install unnecessary parts. These are considered:
- modern body kits;
- fog lights of all models and manufacturers;
- sports pads;
- spoilers;
- skirts and additional grilles.
Photo of external tuning of GAZ 21
Without these elements, the car looks no worse, so you shouldn’t waste your money and time on installing them.
Many owners of rare GAZ 21 turn to specialized workshops for tuning their cars. This decision is based on the fact that only specialists are able to modernize the Pobeda, taking into account the peculiarities of operating a car in a modern metropolis.
Today, professionals can offer the following types of services to improve the GAZ 21:
- installation of a vacuum brake booster;
- installation of power steering;
- painting the car body and interior elements;
- tinted glass;
- upholstery update;
- installation of a modern audio system;
- replacement of car engine components for conversion to AI-92 gasoline;
- installation of gas shock absorbers and Tyape air suspension;
- replacing old wheel tires with special tires with white stripes for car participation in exhibitions;
- installation of a petal clutch.
In the photo - professional tuning of GAZ 21
Engine
The engine is an equally popular object of transformation in the GAZ-21; its tuning is most common among car owners. Many people prefer to simply replace this unit with a more modern engine taken from Volga cars produced today.
Thanks to this approach, the owner significantly simplifies the tasks:
- increase in power;
- installation of a modern power supply system (injector);
- possibility of installing additional climate control equipment.
Tuning can make the original engine found in the GAZ-21 Volga more powerful or more economical. Sometimes it is enough to install a cylinder head from a more recent model - Volga GAZ-24. The issue with the fuel supply system can be radically resolved. In this case, material costs will not be very high. If financial resources allow, and you are not engaged in a full-fledged original restoration of the car, but are doing tuning, guided by your consumer preferences, feel free to change the engine to a more modern model.
Some owners use imported machines for such work, acting as a donor of components and assemblies. As an example, tuning a GAZ-21 (we offer a photo of it in the article), carried out using a Mercedes engine.
This solution allows the car to achieve unprecedented driving performance. And the presence of air conditioning and hydraulic booster greatly increases the comfort of the car.
Do it yourself tuning GAZ-21
In addition, a full range of restoration work will be carried out to restore the body and interior of the car.
Body disassembly
During the inspection, we carefully made an inventory of all spare parts installed on the car. Many of them will have to be changed, but some will be able to return to their original appearance. In addition, you can be sure that not a single detail will be lost.
The next stage of restoration is complete disassembly of the body. Absolutely everything is removed, leaving a bare body suitable for further sandblasting. Body parts are also subjected to this procedure.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting allows you to completely remove old layers of paint and putty and best prepare the metal for applying new paint. Thus, you can be confident in the quality and durability of the new paintwork.
Body work
During body work, our craftsmen restore the correct geometry of the body and eliminate all other defects. Some body parts will be completely replaced. At the same time, work is underway to update chrome parts and search for spare parts that were replaced.
Start of technological assembly
After finishing the bone-setting work, the car is ready for further alteration of the body for a new engine and suspension. This work will end with complete technological assembly of the car and further preparation for painting.
Under the hood we install a completely modern filling according to the technical specifications. We installed a 2JZ-GE engine with a power of 230 hp, a GAZ-31105 front suspension with reinforced springs, a GAZ-31105 rear axle with a reinforced differential, a power steering mechanism, and an air conditioning system.
Painting work
Together with our painters, we selected a combination of sky blue and white colors. Having decided on the color, we carried out preparations for painting, the painting work itself and anti-corrosion treatment. At the same time, we were repairing original parts of the car.
Chassis assembly
Next we went into repairs of the chassis, electrics, component parts, etc. Due to the technical features of the engine configuration, it was possible to install a 4-speed gearbox.
Electrics
A lot of work has been done with the electrical. Our specialists have developed an electrical circuit for the car, taking into account the 2JZ-GE engine and automatic transmission. A new relay and fuse box was manufactured.
The dashboard retained the appearance of the original GAZ-21 and received a different speedometer, tachometer, indication of the position of the automatic transmission selector, electronic errors, as well as engine temperature indicators, fuel level, etc.
We made a computer control unit, a fuse box, a modern dashboard based on the geometry of the car, and laid channels for the harnesses. A multimedia system with a 2-din touch screen is also connected. Central locking, security system and electric windows are installed.
Interior trim
Together with the client, we chose the seats from Toyota Camry. The interior trim was done by G-Auto, our regular partners for several years. Doors, ceiling, seats are covered with Alcantara fabric and eco-leather. The floor was made using MAH carpet, used on Mercedes-Benz cars.
Result of work
Serious work was carried out with tuning the car, which means changes were made to the design of the vehicle. Our specialists fully prepared all the documentation, coordinated changes with the manufacturer and the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, and provided a full cycle of support for approvals until the final entry of information into the vehicle’s title.
After the restoration was completed, Volga and I went to the International Exhibition AutoSib 2021, where we won the Big Gold Medal in the category “Best Tuning of a Vintage Car.” The car went home to Moscow under its own power, the driver was delighted with the dynamic driving. I noted that it holds the road well and is well controlled.
Source: https://retro54.ru/index.php?menu=151
Transmission
When installing a new engine, you better change the gearbox. Remarkable results are obtained when using an engine and gearbox from one donor car. In the case shown in the photo, gear shifting in the car remains traditional (on the steering wheel). Only it's now an automatic transmission.
Driving such a car is no less comfortable than driving a prestigious foreign car. But outwardly the car remains what it was - before us is the legendary Volga GAZ-21. Tuning, the photo of which is offered to your attention, allows its owner to enjoy operating the car every minute. At the same time, all the car enthusiasts around you will be in a state of envy and admiration for what they see.
We carry out dismantling work
The fact that the car has not been produced for almost half a century determines the not very good condition of all surviving copies. Therefore, there will be quite a lot of work to improve the interior. First you need to dismantle the old casing and all other elements. When performing such work, attention should be paid to the following points:
- Dismantling work should be carried out carefully, since some interior elements may be used in the future after restoration.
- The fastening of most elements is simple: using rivets, screws, bolts, and so on.
- From the tool kit you will need various screwdrivers, pliers, spanners and wrenches, and a grinder.
- At the time of dismantling work, disconnect the power from the battery.
Dismantling work, as a rule, does not cause any particular problems. After removing all the trim, you can assess the condition of the body and what restoration work will need to be carried out.
Transmission and braking system
Undoubtedly, after installing a more powerful and modern engine in the GAZ-21, tuning the braking system and rear gearbox (and the driveshaft as well) becomes not a desirable, but a necessary area of work. The same Mercedes is ideal for this. It has rear-wheel drive, and the driveshaft and rear axle will fully correspond to the engine already installed in the Volga.
The procedure for such a replacement requires high precision and attention to detail, but if you do the tuning of the GAZ-21 with your own hands, you will undoubtedly get a lot of pleasure from the process. If you are afraid to take on such a complex alteration, then be prepared for the fact that the cost of these works, although of a contractual nature between the customer and the master, is always very high.
Soundproofing a retro car: the age of modern insulating materials
As previously noted, when considering the degree of sound insulation of the car interior, we can say that there is practically none. That is why the improvement of the interior should also include sound insulation using modern materials. To complete the work you will need:
- Vibroplast.
- Rolls of mineral wool.
- Splen.
- Modelin.
- Construction hairdryer.
- Stitching roller.
- Scissors.
- Solvent.
Several insulating materials must be used to protect the interior from vibration, sound and retain heat. Vibroplast is responsible for absorbing vibration, rolled mineral wool has low thermal conductivity, splen acts as waterproofing, the model is suitable as the final insulating layer. Note that high-quality interior insulation will be quite expensive.
Before using insulating materials, the surface of the body should first be coated with a primer. A construction hair dryer is needed to make the insulation more flexible when covering complex shapes. A roller is required to remove air bubbles, scissors are required to change the shape and size of the insulating material. All materials are applied layer by layer, some are secured using an adhesive surface, for others I use sealant. When insulating, it is important to overlap the material and not leave any voids. It is recommended to pay special attention to the shield that protects the engine compartment from the vehicle interior.
In addition, when insulating the interior, attention should be paid to all ventilation openings that should not be closed. They are necessary to ensure air circulation between the car and the external environment.
Salon
Remodeling or restoration of the interior is the final stage of the GAZ-21 transformation. The Volga you are tuning should have good sound insulation in the interior. You can do without it, but this element of work is a key part of the comfort of the car.
Some car enthusiasts replace the front sofa with separate seats, taken either from a foreign car or from later Volga models. This radically changes the inner world of the car, while the charm of the 60s is lost forever. It all depends on the specific owner.
Tuning the GAZ-21 (photo can be seen in the article), preserving and emphasizing the features of the car, is a real art. Anyone who has done such work can safely consider himself an artist whose hands have created a masterpiece.
Tuning GAZ 21 Volga
Speaking of technical innovations, we create exclusive cars. On the one hand, an elegant body from the last century, an authentic interior that leaves no doubt that it belongs to a bygone era, and on the other hand, modern technical filling and equipment, without which cars today are unthinkable.
By introducing new technologies, we ensure compliance with the standards and requirements of operation on public roads. We admit with full confidence that such services are individual. You get the opportunity to enjoy a combination of modern comfort and the pleasure of driving a vintage car.
Example of work on technical modernization: GAZ 21 + Lexus/Toyota 2.7 liter units, automatic transmission
The presented version of the technical modernization of the GAZ 21 car is one of the most balanced, reliable and safe. A similar modernized car was used by the President of the Russian Federation at the opening of the tunnel in Sochi and was driven by US President George W. Bush at the Novo-Ogarevo residence.
Vladimir Putin and US President George W. Bush
Vladimir Putin and US President George W. Bush on a GAZ-21
Another direction of tuning the GAZ 21 is the use of the entire donor platform. Those.
, in this case, an individual body is built around the finished chassis (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus or other option), preserving the style and general concept of the base model, while all body parts will be manufactured anew.
In this case, the possibilities are limited only by the laws of physics: the converted car can have any type of body (sedan/convertible/roadster) and have any technical parameters (rear-wheel drive/all-wheel drive), engine - gasoline or diesel, 4,6,8,10, 12 cylinders.
Example: Mercedes E-class + GAZ 21
Upon approval of the technical specifications for tuning Vogla GAZ 21, the style and ambiance of the GAZ 21 interior is preserved. It is possible to produce a stylized instrument panel with the implantation of modern sensors and image icons.
The original GAZ 21 dashboard is being modified to organize installation locations for air ducts and airbags. Multifunctional steering column switches are implanted, and the automatic transmission selector lever is placed on the steering column column.
The driver's and passenger seats are styled like a solid sofa, and the seats remain electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated.
In order to buy a GAZ 21 Volga car in Moscow and Russia or get detailed advice on the technical characteristics, restoration and modernization of the Volga - you can contact us by phone: +7-903-724-01-47
Source: https://antiqcar.ru/custom_i_tyuning_gaz21
Restoration of paintings
We should start with those whose brushes again breathe life into the old paintings of the masters. After all, over the years, paintings lose their palette: the paints fade, the canvas becomes less durable, and the painted frames crumble and crumble under the influence of environmental factors.
Considering this, it is not difficult to guess that over time the image in the painting becomes so inconspicuous that it can no longer please the public eye. And that’s when painting restorers get to work.
It should be noted right away that this is very hard work. It is not enough to be a good artist who knows how to brush over old canvases. A restorer is, first of all, a professional who is able to determine all the features of future work. For example, find out what type of paint should be used, what style of strokes should be used and what tones to use so as not to spoil the original charm of the painting.
Why do you need tinting?
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Fresco before tinting Interregional Scientific and Restoration Art Directorate
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Fresco after tinting Interregional Scientific and Restoration Art Directorate
Details that are lost without a trace are never recovered—the restorer will not complete the pattern on the fabric or the eye on the face of the icon. As a rule, those damages where the “author” has not been preserved are repaired conditionally - that is, so that the author’s layer and restoration can be distinguished with the naked eye. One of the most common methods of such conditional replenishment, practiced in almost all types of restoration, is tinting. This method, described by Russian restorers back in the mid-19th century, makes it possible to give the work a holistic appearance, while preserving traces of losses and damage and avoiding counterfeiting the original. The losses are covered with translucent paint, similar in color to the author's. The tinted areas should differ from the original layer in materials and tone strength.
On icons and frescoes, the soil visible in the losses is light gesso. Levkas is the soil of the icon, prepared from chalk or alabaster powder and glue. or plaster. These white spots interfere with a complete perception, and they are tinted with watercolors half a tone lighter than the surrounding painting. The shading is deliberately given a mechanical rather than a painterly appearance: the stroke is placed according to strict rules that limit its direction, shape and length. Tinting the author's layer is strictly prohibited.
In ceramics, the added fragments are tinted, and in textiles, a new base is tinted onto which the ancient embroidery is transferred. Clothes are reinforced using specially sewn transparent fabric called gauze. Transparent gas is also used to fill holes: it is tinted to match the color of the surrounding fabric, and instead of a hole in the material, a transparent window appears, through which the reverse side of the object is visible.
Difficulties of building restoration
If a company that has no experience in the construction services market declares its readiness to carry out restoration work, this information should not be trusted. You can engage in restoration only after accumulating minimal work experience, the necessary knowledge and the selection of personnel who can safely be entrusted with tasks more complex than the reconstruction and repair of buildings.
The main difficulties that our company faces are the task of diagnosing the current state of structures or individual elements. Any restoration work should begin from this stage, however, many people skip it in an attempt to reduce the cost of restoration.
Ethical problems of restoration
Restoration, like any other type of human activity, is not an immutable system of principles and methods, but has its own historical development and depends on the purpose for which the monument is preserved and restored.
The most important principles of modern scientific restoration, proclaimed by the international Venice Charter, are that “restoration should be an exceptional measure. Its goal is to preserve and identify the aesthetic and historical values of the monument. It is based on respect for the authenticity of the material and the reliability of the documents. Restoration stops where the hypothesis begins...”
According to Yu. G. Bobrov, “the development of practical and theoretical activity gave rise to three main methodologies, the essence of which is expressed by the three Great Ideas of restoration.
- The first is the restoration of the work in its original form;
- The second is to preserve the object as intact as possible,
- The third is identifying and coordinating the historical and artistic values of the object.”
According to A.F. Losev, “Restoration appears as a form or method of physical implementation of the process of cultural inheritance, and in this sense, is subject to its laws.”
Basic principles of scientific restoration and conservation:
- minimal interference with the historical material of the work with its maximum preservation;
- the validity and definition of any restoration intervention;
- scientific character;
- archaeological restoration;
- stylistic restoration;
- historicism;
The principle of historicism. This principle is based on “... scientific knowledge of objective reality, according to which objects and phenomena should be considered, on the one hand, in their natural historical development, and on the other hand, in connection with the specific conditions of their existence. The principle of historicism also includes predicting the development of the objects and phenomena being studied in the future.”
legal settlement of relationships in restoration activities.
According to the German restorer J. Gens, the saying “The customer is always right!” does not apply to the restoration of art objects. This distinguishes it from many other professions that provide commercial services. The code of a professional restorer does not give the right to violate the principle of “do no harm” at the client’s whim.
However, the main thing still remains the skill of the restorer, his knowledge of painting, his tact, prudence and moral qualities. “Empirical for centuries and renewed when nothing remains of the old methods, the art of restoration, little known to the general public, and even to the artists themselves, nevertheless arouses universal curiosity and even the most contradictory passions” (Gulina).
For Russia, the scope of monument protection is regulated by:
- Federal Law “On objects of cultural heritage (historical and cultural monuments) of the peoples of the Russian Federation.” - M., 2002;
- “Regulations on the protection and use of historical and cultural monuments.” - M., 1982;
- “Instructions on the procedure for recording, ensuring the safety, maintenance, use and restoration of immovable monuments of history and culture.” - M., 1986;
- “On the organization of zones for the protection of immovable monuments of history and culture of the USSR.” (Order of the Ministry of Culture of the USSR dated January 24, 1986 No. 33).
